Races

Apulia ready for Perth Cup after rollercoaster journey

Posted on | Posted by TABtouch

Victorian contender Apulia is on the brink of a career-defining moment in the $1 million Group 2 TABtouch Perth Cup (2400m) at Ascot on New Years Day. The talented stayer, currently the $1.90 favourite, has overcome setbacks and adversity to reach peak form at the perfect time.

Apulia first captured attention as runner-up in the 2023 Victoria Derby (2500m), but his path since then has been far from smooth. After that narrow defeat, a suspensory injury sidelined him for nearly a year, forcing connections to take a patient approach. That time away from racing has proven invaluable, allowing him to mature physically and mentally into the horse we see today.

The son of 2013 Melbourne Cup winner Fiorente, Apulia represents a significant chapter in Australian bloodlines. Born at Widden Stud in the Hunter Valley, he now carries the hopes of his breeders, Revelstone Stud, for future stallion success.

With nearly $1.3 million in prizemoney already banked Apulia enters the Perth Cup in career-best condition, following a dominant win in the Group 2 Ted Van Heemst Stakes (2100m) at Ascot on December 20 – you can watch that race here. A victory would not only deliver a major payday but also strengthen his credentials as a potential stallion; the dream for his connections.

Adding to the excitement, Apulia’s half-sister Eyes Wide Shut recently scored a win at Kerang, highlighting the strength of this emerging family line. For Apulia, however, the stakes are much higher. A Perth Cup triumph could pave the way for even bigger targets, including a possible tilt at the Melbourne Cup next year.

As the countdown to Thursday continues, all eyes will be on Ascot to see if Apulia can turn resilience and raw talent into Perth Cup glory, although he does have some competition:

  • Forever Boy occupies the second line of betting, and while he was the short-priced favourite in the ATA Stakes who ran third, he still looked strong in the race.
  • We’ll see ATA winner Playhouse Patron again in the Perth Cup, although with no places from three starts at the distance, the step up in class may be a big ask.
  • Buckets Ridge, Diamond Scene and Filthy Habits also face the starter, all with winning credentials.
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